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Top Weeds in Australian Lawns and How to Control Them 

Weeds are the ultimate nuisance for any lawn enthusiast. Not only do they compete with your grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight, but they can quickly take over if left unchecked. In Australia, certain weed species are particularly invasive and can be challenging to control. Understanding which weeds are likely to invade your lawn and knowing how to tackle them effectively is crucial to maintaining a healthy, green space. 

At Wirri, we know that a weed-free lawn is high on the list for anyone looking to keep their yard in top shape. Let’s dive into the most common weeds found in Australian lawns and how you can manage them sustainably. 

1. Bindii (Soliva sessilis)

Anyone who’s ever walked barefoot on their lawn during summer has likely encountered Bindii, a small but painful weed known for its sharp, spiky seed pods. Bindii thrives in dry, compacted soil and can quickly spread if not dealt with. 

How to Identify: 

  • Bindii is a low-growing weed with small, fern-like leaves. Its most notorious feature is the small, hard seed pods that form in late spring and early summer, which are painful if stepped on. 

How to Control: 

  • Prevention: Aerating your lawn and improving soil health can help prevent Bindii from taking hold. 
  • Herbicides: Apply a selective herbicide in early spring before the seed pods develop. Look for a product specifically designed for broadleaf weeds to target Bindii without harming your grass. 
  • Hand Weeding: For small infestations, hand weeding is effective. Be sure to remove the entire plant, including the roots. 

 

2. Clover (Trifolium spp.)

While clover can sometimes be beneficial in certain ecosystems, it’s generally considered a weed in lawns. Clover thrives in nutrient-poor soil and spreads rapidly, often outcompeting grass and creating patchy areas. 

How to Identify: 

  • Clover is easy to spot with its distinctive three-part leaf and small white or pink flowers. It tends to form dense patches that spread quickly across your lawn. 

How to Control: 

  • Fertilising: Clover thrives in nitrogen-poor soil, so applying a nitrogen-rich fertiliser can help your grass outcompete the weed. 
  • Herbicides: A broadleaf herbicide will target clover without harming your grass. Apply in the early stages of clover growth for the best results. 
  • Mowing: Keeping your lawn well-mowed prevents clover from flowering and spreading its seeds. However, don’t mow too short, as longer grass can shade out and discourage clover growth. 
Eco-friendly Lawn Products - Crabgrass on a lawn

3. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelions are a common sight in Australian lawns, particularly in spring. While some gardeners might appreciate the bright yellow flowers, dandelions can quickly take over, with deep taproots that make them difficult to remove. 

How to Identify: 

  • Dandelions are easily recognised by their bright yellow flowers and fluffy seed heads. They have deep taproots that allow them to thrive in dry, compacted soil. 

How to Control: 

  • Hand Weeding: The key to removing dandelions is to pull out the entire taproot. Using a weeding tool can make this easier. If part of the root is left in the soil, the plant will regrow. 
  • Herbicides: A selective herbicide for broadleaf weeds will effectively control dandelions. Apply when the dandelions are young and actively growing. 
  • Prevention: Regular mowing and maintaining a healthy, thick lawn will help prevent dandelions from taking over. 

4. Winter Grass (Poa annua)

Winter grass, also known as annual bluegrass, is a common lawn weed in Australia that thrives in cool, wet conditions. It germinates in late autumn and can persist through winter and spring, producing unsightly seed heads. 

How to Identify: 

  • Winter grass has a light green colour and fine, soft blades. It tends to grow in small, tufted clumps and produces seed heads that can be seen during cooler months. 

How to Control: 

  • Prevention: Over-seed your lawn with a more vigorous grass variety in autumn to outcompete winter grass. 
  • Herbicides: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in late autumn to prevent winter grass seeds from germinating. If winter grass has already appeared, a post-emergent herbicide specifically for annual grasses can be applied. 
  • Mowing: Regular mowing can help reduce the spread of seed heads, though it’s best to tackle the weed before it produces seeds. 

5. Crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis)

Crabgrass is a summer annual weed that thrives in hot, dry conditions. It spreads quickly, forming large clumps of coarse grass that can overtake weaker areas of your lawn. 

How to Identify: 

  • Crabgrass has wide, flat blades and grows in clumps, spreading horizontally across the ground. It often appears in bare or thinning areas of the lawn. 

How to Control: 

  • Prevention: Keeping your lawn healthy and well-fed will help prevent crabgrass from taking root. Crabgrass tends to appear in weakened or thin lawns, so regular fertilising and watering are key. 
  • Herbicides: A pre-emergent herbicide applied in early spring will prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating. If crabgrass has already appeared, a post-emergent herbicide specifically for grassy weeds can be used. 
  • Mowing: Mow your lawn regularly to prevent crabgrass from setting seed. However, be careful not to mow too short, as crabgrass thrives in lawns that are cut too low. 

6. Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata)

Oxalis, or creeping wood sorrel, is a persistent weed that can be difficult to control. Its small, yellow flowers and clover-like leaves make it easy to spot, but its creeping habit allows it to spread quickly across your lawn. 

How to Identify: 

  • Oxalis has small, heart-shaped leaves similar to clover and produces small yellow flowers. It spreads through creeping stems and can form dense mats if not controlled. 

How to Control: 

  • Hand Weeding: While hand weeding can be effective, be sure to remove the entire plant, including the underground stems, to prevent regrowth. 
  • Herbicides: Use a selective herbicide for broadleaf weeds to target Oxalis without damaging your grass. Apply in early spring before the plant flowers. 
  • Mulching: Applying mulch around garden beds and lawn edges can help prevent Oxalis from spreading. 

7. Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus)

Nutgrass is one of the toughest weeds to control in Australian lawns. It spreads via underground tubers, making it difficult to eradicate fully. 

How to Identify: 

  • Nutgrass has dark green, grass-like leaves that grow in clusters. The plant produces distinctive spiky seed heads and is known for its deep, stubborn roots. 

How to Control: 

  • Herbicides: Nutgrass can be difficult to remove with hand weeding alone, as the tubers often remain in the soil. A specific herbicide designed for nutgrass will be your best bet. 
  • Hand Weeding: If you opt to weed by hand, dig deep and be sure to remove all tubers, as even small fragments left in the soil will lead to regrowth. 
  • Improve Soil Health: Nutgrass tends to thrive in poorly drained or compacted soils. Aerating your lawn and improving drainage can help prevent nutgrass from taking over. 
Eco-friendly Lawn Products - Using a product for a lush lawn

How to Prevent Weeds from Taking Over

While dealing with weeds is a part of maintaining any lawn, there are several proactive steps you can take to prevent them from becoming a major problem: 

  • Keep Your Lawn Healthy: A thick, healthy lawn will naturally choke out most weeds. Regular fertilising, watering, and mowing help keep your grass in optimal condition, leaving less room for weeds to grow. 
  • Aerate and Improve Soil Health: Compact soil can encourage weed growth. Regular aeration improves soil health and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass’s roots, helping it outcompete weeds. 
  • Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in spring and autumn can prevent many common weeds from germinating in the first place.

Final Thoughts: Controlling Weeds the Eco-Friendly Way

Dealing with weeds can be a constant battle, but with the right approach, you can keep them under control without relying on harsh chemicals. At Wirri, we believe in eco-friendly, sustainable lawn care solutions that promote the health of your lawn and the environment. Our range of selective herbicides and organic products ensures that you can tackle weeds effectively while keeping your lawn green and thriving. 

Need help choosing the right products to keep your lawn weed-free? Join the Wirri subscription service and get all the tools and guidance you need to maintain a healthy, weed-free lawn year-round! 

 

Stay tuned for more tips and tricks on maintaining your Australian lawn from the experts at Wirri. Check out our blog for seasonal updates and eco-friendly lawn care solutions! 

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